Isuru Udana announces retirement from international cricket

Sri Lanka all-rounder Isuru Udana has announced his retirement from international cricket with imeediate effect. Udana, 33, was part of the Sri Lanka squad that beat India in the T20I series. However, he didn’t enjoy great outings in the two games he played, conceding 39 runs in five overs without picking up a wicket. Even in the only ODI he played, he leaked 27 runs in the two overs he bowled.

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Udana’s sudden decision to quit cricket comes as a shock to many. While the reason is unknown, it is speculated that his poor form over the last year or so could be the reason. The left-arm pacer only picked 6 wickets in as many ODIs in 2020 while he only had four wickets to show in six T20Is. Due to his below-par performances, Udana was consistently in and out of the team.

Isuru Udana has represented Sri Lanka in 21 ODIs and 35 T20 Internationals, picking up 18 and 27 wickets respectively. He also scored 237 and 256 runs in the two formats with 78 and 84 being the highest score.

Udana made a name for himself in Under 19 cricket and was lauded for his great skills with the ball. He was deemed as someone who can outfox the best with his slower ones. He made his debut in the 2009 T20 World Cup for Sri Lanka on the back of some impressive performances. However, he had a rough start to his international career and was in and out of the team. He got back in the reckoning of the selectors in 2018, mostly because of improved batting prowess, and played key roles in Sri Lanka's bilateral series against South Africa and Pakistan. The news of Udana’s retirement was confirmed by prominent Sri Lanka commentator Roshan Abeysinghe.

The left-arm seamer had also participated in the IPL for Royal Challengers Bangalore. The all-rounder is vastly experienced in the shortest format of the game and has played 164 T20Is across different leagues.